When Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was drafted in the second round three years ago,
his arrival was accompanied by many questions surrounding a lack of ideal size and arm
strength.

Much like Dalton, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had to deal with critics — specifically, whether
his game would translate from small-school Delaware when he was drafted in the first round six
years ago.

Now, Dalton has launched a career route similar to Flacco’s. Both quarterbacks started in their
rookie seasons and both have reached the playoffs every year since entering the NFL.

Heading into Sunday’s game in M&T Bank Stadium, Dalton is emerging as an increasingly
dangerous passer for the AFC North’s first-place Bengals (6-3). Dalton continues to chase something
Flacco achieved last season, when he orchestrated the Ravens’ Super Bowl victory with 11 touchdown
passes and no interceptions in the playoffs.

“There are definitely some things that are very similar to how our careers have gone and how
things have started,” Dalton said. “Hopefully, I can do what he did last year. It was big for him
to come in with a lot of people doubting him and a lot of people saying all this stuff, and for him
to go out and lead them to the Super Bowl. I think there are some similarities to how our careers
have been.”

The success arcs of Dalton and Flacco have swerved in different directions this season,
though.

Although Dalton has spearheaded the Bengals’ ascension, Flacco’s offense has regressed since his
stellar postseason run. He has completed just 59.4 percent of his throws for 10 touchdowns and nine
interceptions for a 79.3 passer rating to rank 24th among NFL quarterbacks.

“It’s tough in the NFL to go out there and try to be Superman” for the Ravens (3-5), Flacco
said. “It’s just impossible to do that. It’s frustrating when you’re running off the field and you’r
e not getting first downs and you’re not scoring points.”

Dalton has become more adept at capitalizing on a wealth of downfield targets that include
All-Pro receiver A.J. Green.

Dalton has distributed the football relatively evenly, including delivering four touchdown
passes to receiver Marvin Jones during a 49-9 victory over the New York Jets. He has taken care not
to forget his top threat, Green, who has 57 receptions for 862 yards and five touchdowns.

Dalton ranks ninth in the NFL with a 92.0 passer rating, completing 64.8 percent of his passes
for 2,587 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

“He’s one of the best in the game,” Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “His records
say it, and his numbers say it. He’s playing good football right now, and inspired football. He’s
matured a lot. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing (Flacco) do that already. I don’t want to give him
too much praise, but he’s doing a good job.”